According to officials familiar with diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran conflict, the prospect of Iran agreeing to further direct talks with the United States is being hindered by former President Donald Trump's threatening statements and aggressive social media posts. Two US officials stated that Trump's posts on Truth Social, coupled with his decision to maintain a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, are negatively impacting ongoing negotiations being conducted through intermediaries like Pakistan. An Iranian official and an Arab diplomat reported that Iranian negotiators also view Trump's posts, which included phrases like "blow up the rest of the country" and sending it "back to the Stone Age," as attempts to humiliate Tehran's leadership, thereby reducing their willingness to reach an agreement. A ceasefire between the warring parties began over two weeks ago. Currently, the sides are at a stalemate regarding how to proceed with negotiations to end the conflict, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, caused significant disruption across the Middle East, and driven energy prices higher. As tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz and the blockade, Brent crude oil rose to approximately $105 per barrel on Thursday. The US reported that its forces boarded a supertanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, while Iran fired on vessels and seized two ships on Wednesday. Officials indicated that Trump's public statements are a key reason for the current deadlock. A European diplomat in contact with Iranian negotiators said there has been little progress in the past day. A White House spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that Trump is not attempting to consider the feelings of Iran's leaders. The spokesperson said Trump is committed to reaching a deal that ensures America's long-term national security. On April 7th, shortly before the US-Iran ceasefire began, Trump stated, "the whole civilization will be obliterated tonight, and it can never be brought back." The White House suggested that such strong rhetoric prompted Iran to agree to the ceasefire. Trump extended the ceasefire on Monday after Iran refused to send representatives to Islamabad for a second round of talks. A first round held in Pakistan in mid-April also failed to yield an agreement. US Vice President JD Vance was scheduled to lead the American delegation again for talks this week and was prepared to travel to Islamabad, but the trip was canceled. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and envoy Steve Witkoff were also expected to join Vance. Some of Trump's posts prompted responses from Iranian officials, with Iran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, denouncing them as "media warfare and public opinion manipulation." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that Iran welcomes dialogue with the US, but "blockades and threats are major obstacles to genuine negotiations." According to US officials, some of Trump's advisers favor extending the blockade, believing that Iran is only weeks away from being cut off from revenue due to its inability to export oil normally. This would inflict severe economic damage and force Iran to make greater concessions. In their view, Trump's social media rhetoric is intended to buy time. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the blockade quickly forced Iran to cut oil production, "directly hitting the regime's primary revenue source." "They have already started filling storage tanks on Kharg Island," said Victoria Coates, Trump's former deputy national security advisor for Middle East and North Africa affairs, in an interview. "Perhaps within a week or two, they will have to consider shutting in wells. This is not a good thing and could cause permanent damage to their oil reserves." The same US officials revealed that another faction among Trump's allies believes it is time to find an "exit path," warning that prolonged turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to deeper economic repercussions domestically for the US and affect Trump's standing in the November midterm elections. For this camp, the president's tough talk risks undermining the progress US and Iranian negotiators have made towards a deal. The White House spokesperson said Trump's national security team is fully united on ensuring Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon. The spokesperson also stated that the president is always the final decision-maker. Although Trump has said he is in no rush for a deal and believes the blockade is crippling Iran's economy by preventing oil exports, he is facing pressure to lower US fuel prices. Soaring oil prices, partly due to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have caused American public discontent with the conflict and raised concerns about a global economic slowdown. The informed Arab official mentioned that Iran wants a deal addressing a range of long-term issues, including sanctions, its nuclear program, and its missile program. Tehran also seeks guarantees against future attacks and some formal control over shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israel have stated they will not accept these demands. However, a temporary agreement remains possible between Washington and Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US blockade, while leaving most other difficult issues for future negotiations. Bloomberg reported last week that some Gulf Arab states and European leaders believe a broader agreement would take at least six months to achieve. "Trump's communication style undermines his position to make diplomacy work," said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute. "For the current Iranian regime, the effective way is to be low-key and quiet, not high-profile and constantly in the media, let alone attacking Iranian leaders on social media."
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